Jhoo

Hello my fellow Subaru fans, I finally jumped on the chance to get into a very well equipped 2.5x premium with 5 speed gear box. I love the manual, but realize it's not available in the XT trim. I would enjoy having the additional power from the turbo, but don't know if it would be worth the price of having to deal with the crummy 4 speed auto. I realize that those with more funds and time than I will just grab an XT and do a 6 speed swap. I'm definitely not down to hold out for the cvt thats on its way.

JDBrian

Although the 4speed is old fashioned it's also very reliable and the turbo gives the engine very good torque at low rpms. This allows the 4speed to work very well in the XT. I would drive one and see how you like it. Relative to a modern transmission it's not as nice, but I would not rule out an XT auto without at least giving it a try. I drive a 5speed x myself and have never owned an automatic car in the 30+ years I've been driving. I have driven loaner Foresters from the dealer with the 4speed auto and it works fine even with the NA 2.5. I like the improved fuel economy that the CVT will bring to the table but haven't driven one yet. That will be the true test for me. At least the manual is still available in some trim levels on a Forester. I think it's the only car in it's class to still offer awd and a manual trans.

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Brian
2006 X 5 speed

Jhoo

Thread Starter

I had the chance to test drive an XT today, and yeah it definitely gets up and goes a little better. The hood scoop and the the rear spoiler look great as well imo. I still can't wrap my head around the 4 speed automatic only option, if only Subaru could've made this available I'd be sold.

skyx39

I almost didn't buy a Subaru because of the auto only tranny option in the XT. However, it shifts cleanly and has a reliable track record. It actually performs its best when the motor is being pushed. Also, having taken my forester offroading, I'm glad I got the auto. If your looking for a fast sporty car, you'll have more issues with the forester than the tranny.


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underpressure

I regret not putting a turbo on my car faster! It performs better than most cars and trucks. The only difference is my car doesn't blow off when I shift so my turbo just keeps spooling. With a manual you have to build all that pressure back up every time.

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Love is what made my Subaru a Subaru

Jhoo

Thread Starter

That is a point I didn't consider, now I need to ask myself if the added performance is worth losing my third fun pedal, heated seats, lower insurance premiums, and lower fuel costs. Damn feel like I'm in an old frosted wheat cereal advertisement. The adult parent in me likes the practicality of what is currently in my garage, but the hooligan in me wants the damn turbo!

Brock Strongo

I regret not checking the car more thoroughly when I bought it but that's about it

Jhoo

Thread Starter

I'm looking to possibly trade in at Carter, did you buy from the same dealership?

painmaker825

I bought mine yesturday and I don't regret anything (I drove it back home 2 1/2 hours away) I wish it was a 6 speed auto or a 5-6 speed manual but I'm surprise how well the auto works. I like it in sport mode haven't really used the manual shifting yet. I just wish Could 1) buy all the mods I'd like to do today 2) have them all installed tomorrow lol


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jstawgn

Subaru MT are not that enjoyable to drive anyway. I have 07 XT with manual and it took me at least a couple year playing with different setting and fluid just to get it acceptable to me.

You are looking for 2013 Model? Why not wait for the 2014 model then? The CVT should be much more improved than the 4 speed auto.

skyx39

If you'd rather have a manual over an auto, then you most likely would not enjoy driving a CVT a regular auto.


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solarcub

I've had my 2012 XT since last May or so. I wish it had a 5 or 6 spd, but only because I assume that would mean better mileage; it doesn't actually bother me when I'm driving it. I use the sport mode when I'm coming down from the mountains, or sometimes just for fun in town, but really, it does fine on its own. At this point, though, I would wait and test drive a 2014, and hopefully get some real-world mileage reports. The new one is supposed to be more powerful and more fuel efficient.

Jhoo

Thread Starter

More power and more efficiency are always a good thing, but I'm not too jazzed about the direct injection idea. I just got out of a vehicle that had direct injection in which owners were having the injection pumps grenade and take out the entire fuel delivery system costing big bucks when the manufacturer didn't want to cover repairs or admit a design flaw. It turns out there are multiple manufacturers out there that are seeing problems like this including BMW.

Brock Strongo

No, I got the car from some Russians lol. If you're willing to do a drivetrain swap then why not just swap a turbo motor in the one you got? I've heard reports from EG33 owners that the new N/A 5 speeds hold up quite well to a lot of power

markyh

It would be nice to have another gear or two for better gas millage like someone else said, but that's it for me. The 4EAT is a very reliable transmission and it's a torque monster. It will handle up to around 400 hp, and you know anyone with a turbo is going to mod it. You can use the sport mode, manual shifting, and you can always double tap the gas to downshift. So it is what you make of it. Plus I like to make guys at the track in Mustangs sad when they find out they just got beat by a bulky, 4 cylinder, automatic, suv.

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2010 Forester XT
2011 Legacy 3.6R